A £300 monthly budget for your car is a great starting point, giving you the choice of a good few brand-new cars. But, like any budget, you’ll get much more for your money by buying used.
Sure enough, some of these cars will make your neighbours think you’ve spent a lot more than you actually have. You’ll find high-end petrol, hybrid and electric options, as well as hot hatchbacks and fantastic family SUVs for your budget.
For even more options, browse our wide range of cars under £300 per month or our selection of cars for £299 or less with a £299 deposit.
Hyundai Tucson
Not content to be an 'also-ran', the Hyundai Tucson has some of the boldest styling in the family SUV class to stand out. It's not just an eye-catching face either, with a super-spacious cabin that has enough room for six-footers to fully stretch out, plus plenty of boot space. There are pin-sharp screens for the centre infotainment system and the driver's dials, and all cars come very well equipped from the factory. All engines have enough grunt to move the Tucson weight around easily, and you'll find fuel-sipping full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines further up the range.
If you're comparing the Hyundai Tucson against the Kia Sportage, you'll typically find that the Hyundai is cheaper as a used car but just as talented.
Shop used Hyundai Tucson cars for sale or read our Hyundai Tucson review
Cupra Formentor
With a squat stance and mean looks, the Cupra Formentor is here to put the 'sport' into SUV. It's not just for show, either. The Formentor has the kind of poise and balance you'd expect from a real-deal hot hatch, and a selection of punchy petrol and plug-in-hybrid engines to give it the 'go' to match. You also sit nice and low, despite the raised, kerb-friendly ride height, further emphasising the car's sportiness. All this ability demands remarkably few compromises, too, with a full suite of modern on-board tech plus enough passenger and cargo space for a family of four.
Shop used Cupra Formentor cars for sale or read our Cupra Formentor review
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Ioniq 5 has been on sale for a few years now, but it still looks radical and otherworldly. It’s also one of our favourite electric family cars, with plenty of space – it’s bigger than it looks in pictures – and a big boot. The calming yet high-tech interior is a wonderful place to spend time, and the Ioniq 5’s smooth driving experience is top notch.
Consider its many plus points and it’s astonishing that you can get an Ioniq 5 on your driveway for under £300 per month. Closer to £250 if you can live with the smaller battery and its near-200-mile real-world range.
Shop used Hyundai Ioniq 5 cars for sale or read our Hyundai Ioniq 5 review
Ford Kuga
If you want a practical car that still handles nicely, get yourself a Ford Kuga. It’s probably the best midsize SUV to drive, with direct steering and eager engines – and there’s also a hybrid version that squeezes into this budget at the time of writing. But the Kuga also does the family stuff well, with lots of rear-seat space and a boot that’s usefully larger than the Focus hatchback.
While you can get an entry-level Kuga for closer to £250 a month, spending that little bit extra gets you a huge choice of versions and lower-mileage cars. Titanium has all the kit covered – there’s a reversing camera, a digital dashboard, multi-zone climate control and a fancy B&O sound system.
Shop used Ford Kuga cars for sale or read our Ford Kuga review
Audi A3
Sure, you can get a Volkswagen Golf for under £300 per month, but why not treat yourself to the posher version? The Audi A3 has plusher materials and tech that both looks more impressive and is more usable than the Golf, while practicality and the engine choices are largely the same.
This much money buys you an A3 that’s only a couple of years old and in the popular S Line trim, or the plug-in hybrid A3 with its 40-mile electric range if you’re happy with the Sport trim. Sport doesn’t have the glitz of S Line, but it has all the tech of the higher-spec car.
Shop used Audi A3 cars for sale or read our Audi A3 review
Renault Megane E-Tech
You’re spoiled for choice if you want an electric hatchback, with lots of talented options to pick. But because the Megane E-Tech has been around a little longer than the likes of the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq, there are more on the used market and – importantly – some within our budget. The Megane E-Tech is a fantastic choice, with around 250 miles of range, a superb Google-based infotainment system with joined-up navigation, chic styling and a large boot.
The driving experience is lovely, too, offering a great mix of comfort and keen handling. It’s faster than most petrol or diesel alternatives, too.
Shop used Renault Megane E-Tech cars for sale or read our Renault Megane E-Tech review
Kia Niro
Sports cars don’t get everyone’s juices flowing so, if you’d rather push yourself to get the best possible fuel economy, the Kia Niro is a top choice. Kia says it’ll do 64mpg, which is pretty impressive given that the Niro is an SUV with space for your family and friends. Every Niro has an electric motor, an automatic gearbox and an allergy to using lots of petrol – your choice is hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full electric.
The Niro has been thoroughly developed to be easy to live with. It drives obediently, it’s quiet and comfortable, has the balance of a seven-year warranty and lots of equipment to take the boredom away – including adaptive cruise control, digital dials and Apple CarPlay.
Shop used Kia Niro cars for sale
Mazda CX-5
You might’ve considered the usual midsize SUV suspects, but go a bit left-field and there are still some gems to be found. The Mazda CX-5 should be on your list if you don’t quite fancy a Tiguan or Tucson, with its athletic styling, family-friendly practicality and an interior that boasts the same sort of quality you get in an Audi or BMW.
The CX-5 offers pretty decent value for money as well – you’ll get more equipment in a Mazda than in many rivals. And everything’s wrapped up in an interior that’s a delight to use and easy to get on with.
Shop used Mazda CX-5 cars for sale or read our Mazda CX-5 review
Vauxhall Grandland
The Vauxhall Grandland is a cheaper alternative to something like a Tiguan or Tucson, so your £300 per month goes further – specifically, a 2024 car with fewer than 10,000 miles on the clock in top-spec Ultimate trim. Which includes luxuries like an electric bootlid, wireless phone charging and even a heated steering wheel, so you never need to endure the effects of a cold winter morning again.
The Grandland is a comfortable, practical SUV that’ll make family life easy. And you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of lots of remaining warranty cover.
Shop used Vauxhall Grandland cars for sale or read our used Vauxhall Grandland review
Peugeot 208
It’s true, you can get a Peugeot 208 for considerably less than £300 per month. But we’ve picked up a batch of nearly brand new 208s, some with just a couple of miles on the odometer. Ideal if you want what is essentially a box-fresh car without having to wait for it to be built. The 208 is the smartest and perhaps the most luxurious supermini, with huge amounts of equipment and a delightfully peppy 100hp 1.2-litre engine, which is swift and economical all at the same time.
Shop used Peugeot 208 cars for sale or read our Peugeot 208 review
Read our top picks for other monthly budgets
- 10 of the best cars for under £150 per month
- 10 of the best cars for under £200 per month
- 10 of the best cars for under £250 per month
- 10 of the best cars for under £400 per month
Affordable finance on used cars
Check out Motorpoint's huge selection of nearly new and used cars, all with a range of flexible finance options.
